NESCAC

[Nutmeg]

Unfortunately, it is so embarrassing and common that it has becoming a running joke. It shouldn't be considered a joke though. He ca act that way all he wants and they can play the long chippy style and win....but take note...Serpone has no ncaa ring....

It's even more embarrassing to hear people try to justify it, really. Sure, there's a certain amount of that kind of behavior anywhere, but when it's as much and as consistent as happens at Amherst, it crosses the line. Was quite happy when Brandeis knocked them out last year, I wasn't at the game but I was watching on video and annoyed with the antics.

Tactically speaking, to Amherst's credit, the Jeffs get off a surprising # of shots, so I don't think we can exactly call them a "park the bus" team, but when they run into a more technically-sound program that can match them physically, they're going to have problems. They certainly know how to win clutch games, which you need to do, but I don't think they have the technical ability to win a national championship (I could well be proven wrong, but I personally believe that a team has to possess a certain amount of technical ability.) The rock 'em-sock 'em approach certainly works against teams in which Amherst is either technically or physically better, as it is an imposing style, but when they start to run into teams that are as physical and more technical, then you get found out really quick.

Totally agree with the analysis.... The game was a real battle...

[stlawus]

At this point I'm just a bit baffled that the NCAA hasn't stepped in to at least address the problem.  I remember last year SLU hosted the first 2 rounds of the NCAA tournament, and Amherst was playing the second game.  After SLU won I headed home because it was so cold, but Amherst and Fitchburg St were warming up on the practice fields below Sandy.  As the Amherst players made the walk up to the field, they were all actively taunting the Fitchburg players as they warmed up.  It's beyond the point of being ridiculous. 

[Mr.Right]

Unfortunately, it is so embarrassing and common that it has becoming a running joke. It shouldn't be considered a joke though. He ca act that way all he wants and they can play the long chippy style and win....but take note...Serpone has no ncaa ring....

It's even more embarrassing to hear people try to justify it, really. Sure, there's a certain amount of that kind of behavior anywhere, but when it's as much and as consistent as happens at Amherst, it crosses the line. Was quite happy when Brandeis knocked them out last year, I wasn't at the game but I was watching on video and annoyed with the antics.

Tactically speaking, to Amherst's credit, the Jeffs get off a surprising # of shots, so I don't think we can exactly call them a "park the bus" team, but when they run into a more technically-sound program that can match them physically, they're going to have problems. They certainly know how to win clutch games, which you need to do, but I don't think they have the technical ability to win a national championship (I could well be proven wrong, but I personally believe that a team has to possess a certain amount of technical ability, and I don't think NPL alone is enough in that department - Martin is fast, Singer is effective, but NPL is the only player I'd call technically adept.) The rock 'em-sock 'em approach certainly works against teams in which Amherst is either technically or physically better, as it is an imposing style, but when they start to run into teams that are as physical and more technical, then you get found out really quick.

Blooter,

How many teams would you guess are out there that can match Amherst physicality and skill?  I would guess maybe 5-10. This year there is so much parity that this could be the year they pull it off. I do believe you all are underestimating Amherst technical ability a little. The problem is that they do impose their will against teams as best as any team in the country. They force you out of your comfort zone which is an underrated +..Yes they have been eliminated by more technical sides in 2012 and 2013 by Williams and 2014 by Brandeis but their fortune might change this year. Who knows...

[Nutmeg]

Unfortunately, it is so embarrassing and common that it has becoming a running joke. It shouldn't be considered a joke though. He ca act that way all he wants and they can play the long chippy style and win....but take note...Serpone has no ncaa ring....

It's even more embarrassing to hear people try to justify it, really. Sure, there's a certain amount of that kind of behavior anywhere, but when it's as much and as consistent as happens at Amherst, it crosses the line. Was quite happy when Brandeis knocked them out last year, I wasn't at the game but I was watching on video and annoyed with the antics.

Tactically speaking, to Amherst's credit, the Jeffs get off a surprising # of shots, so I don't think we can exactly call them a "park the bus" team, but when they run into a more technically-sound program that can match them physically, they're going to have problems. They certainly know how to win clutch games, which you need to do, but I don't think they have the technical ability to win a national championship (I could well be proven wrong, but I personally believe that a team has to possess a certain amount of technical ability, and I don't think NPL alone is enough in that department - Martin is fast, Singer is effective, but NPL is the only player I'd call technically adept.) The rock 'em-sock 'em approach certainly works against teams in which Amherst is either technically or physically better, as it is an imposing style, but when they start to run into teams that are as physical and more technical, then you get found out really quick.

Right, how do us think it would go if they played Tufts again on Tufts field or a neutral or turf field?




Blooter,

How many teams would you guess are out there that can match Amherst physicality and skill?  I would guess maybe 5-10. This year there is so much parity that this could be the year they pull it off. I do believe you all are underestimating Amherst technical ability a little. The problem is that they do impose their will against teams as best as any team in the country. They force you out of your comfort zone which is an underrated +..Yes they have been eliminated by more technical sides in 2012 and 2013 by Williams and 2014 by Brandeis but their fortune might change this year. Who knows...

[blooter442]

Blooter,

How many teams would you guess are out there that can match Amherst physicality and skill?  I would guess maybe 5-10. This year there is so much parity that this could be the year they pull it off. I do believe you all are underestimating Amherst technical ability a little. The problem is that they do impose their will against teams as best as any team in the country. They force you out of your comfort zone which is an underrated +..Yes they have been eliminated by more technical sides in 2012 and 2013 by Williams and 2014 by Brandeis but their fortune might change this year. Who knows...

Right, how do us think it would go if they played Tufts again on Tufts field or a neutral or turf field?

I'd say 5-10 as well. You are probably right that I undersold them technically, but I've watched them several times and have never been impressed by their play - the way they play the ball forward often is very direct, and while they are powerful and fast enough to saw their way through a team that plays defensively, the teams that can retain the ball and match them athletically are able to cut off their passing routes and give themselves a great chance. It's very possible could be wrong, and this could be the year that it all changes, but based on what I've seen so far I'm not sold. From my observation of them, if Amherst has a significant advantage in either A. skill or B. athleticism, they tend to win, but if the other team can match them in one department and beat them in the other, then that's when they run into trouble.

Nutmeg - on a neutral pitch or Kraft Field, I would give a slight edge to Tufts, just because I think Tufts is every bit as athletic (even if not the same team size as Amherst) and more skilled. Even at Hitchcock today, they had a couple of good chances in the OT periods today and I think better finishing could have seen them steal it. Excellent finish by NPL for the winner, though - Amherst probably just deserved to shade it.

[Mr.Right]

Agreed blooter...

[blooter442]

On another note - it appears that Mr.Right hit the nail on the head with Bates vs. Trinity today not just in the score but en general. Always though the Bates start to the season was too good to be true, but their three big games - Tufts, Amherst, and Middlebury - are all at home so you never know (that said, I stand by my statement that I think the most they'll get from any of those three is a point.)

[Jump4Joy]

It really is amazing how perspective affects recall. Greenwood puts a hit on NPL during the opening minute of play. Thuggery that gets a warning from the ref. if it's a warning how is it not a foul for a pk? Tufts defender goes up with no attempt to play the ball and splits open Orozco's eyebrow. Antics. Leading to the "almost fisticuffs" #6 gives NPL nut tap while he's on the ground. Martin stands up to. Tufts player who puts his forehead on Martins forehead and you call out Martin as the aggressor?
Tufts had a well worked bid to goal in the 2nd OT for their only real threat in 2nd OT. Hardly dominant.

[D3soccerwatcher]

After watching the Wesleyan game and the Tufts vs Plymouth State game, not sure Tufts is a #1 in country team!!  Amherst should prevail when they play Saturday!!

Tufts has now gone 265 consecutive minutes without scoring a goal.  They are going to have to find a way out of that funk if they hope to prevail against Amherst.  That being said, ECSUalum may have the right pick for Saturday.

After today's loss, Tufts has now gone 371 consecutive minutes without scoring a goal.  That's the equivalent of over four full games without a goal.

[blooter442]

I'd agree with this. Previously said that Bull was #1, and I think he and Sydor are the top two, but after watching Bull last night for the second time this year I think I would put Sydor ahead of him at the moment.

Sydor has 3 ga; Bull has 2. Feel significant that it's Hamilton that scores twice against Sydor.

Disagree. Personally, I think that a weaker team scoring two goals against a GK has more to do with the defense being caught napping than anything the goalkeeper did. Less potent offenses can come up with wonder strikes that give the 'keeper no chance (I'm not saying that Hamilton's two were wonder goals, but IMHO goalkeepers should be judged upon the premises of "how much chance did he have with the shot, and did he do everything in his power to stop it?")

I've watched both extensively and my opinion that Bull is probably slightly more commanding on crosses and set pieces, but Sydor is a better shot-stopper to the point where I'd give it to Sydor. Nonetheless I think both are very good and the top two in the NESCAC.

[Jump4Joy]

Blooter,
In response to the first part of your post: What?

[Nutmeg]

After watching the Wesleyan game and the Tufts vs Plymouth State game, not sure Tufts is a #1 in country team!!  Amherst should prevail when they play Saturday!!

Tufts has now gone 265 consecutive minutes without scoring a goal.  They are going to have to find a way out of that funk if they hope to prevail against Amherst.  That being said, ECSUalum may have the right pick for Saturday

After today's loss, Tufts has now gone 371 consecutive minutes without scoring a goal.  That's the equivalent of over four full games without a goal.

Noted, but they have played 3 great defensive teams in a row, one which will be no.1 and one probably in top 5... That has a little something to do with it...

[blooter442]

Jump4Joy,

You said that you feel it's "significant" that two of Sydor's three goals conceded were against Hamilton (thus implying he is inferior because he conceded two goals against a team who doesn't have a great attack.) I was saying that I don't think that is a logical way of judging one versus the other. The defense's inaction could have put the GK in a position where he couldn't have saved the shot - or two, in the case of Hamilton. It's very plausible that the Hamilton attack caught the Middlebury D napping (I didn't see the game so I don't know, but just saying I don't think it's all on Sydor that Middlebury conceded two goals against Hamilton.)

I very much understand you picking Bull because A. he is a very good goalkeeper, B. he plays for your team, and C. he has conceded less goals than Sydor so far this year ; my opinion that Sydor is better comes from watching him and Bull several times in the past couple of years, although, again, I think both are excellent and definitely the top two in the NESCAC.

[Jump4Joy]

Blooter, Thanks for the follow up. I suppose to make a most accurate assessment of GKs, we'd have to see video of every save and every goal against. I doubt that happens at all-star meetings. Same goes for field players. Do we see video of the brilliant goals, the half chances converted, the clever touch that creates space. No. We're left to stats such as "game winners" if that. Moreso, we look at flat stats. Like Glaser's. Two Gs and two As at Colby-Sawyer. Two more Gs at Green Mountain. The totals at the end of the season will not break down that 10 of his points come during the likes of those two games.

[blooter442]

Blooter, Thanks for the follow up. I suppose to make a most accurate assessment of GKs, we'd have to see video of every save and every goal against. I doubt that happens at all-star meetings. Same goes for field players. Do we see video of the brilliant goals, the half chances converted, the clever touch that creates space. No. We're left to stats such as "game winners" if that. Moreso, we look at flat stats. Like Glaser's. Two Gs and two As at Colby-Sawyer. Two more Gs at Green Mountain. The totals at the end of the season will not break down that 10 of his points come during the likes of those two games.

That's fair. Would be great if we could perfect the process, but that will happen when pigs fly.